The Issues
Recent Articles
New Research Publication on Dark Store Theory in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
NMU student researcher Isabelle Karl gives an in-depth look at the losses in revenue and increased costs for local governments in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula due to tax breaks given to big box stores under the “dark store” loophole. She also discusses current legislative efforts to change how big box stores in Michigan are taxed in order to bring more revenue to local communities.
Trust the Compass
“The compass was always there, steady and true. I looked at it often and knew my headings to each location by heart. I never doubted the compass when I could see clearly–but when the fog rolled in, so did my doubts and fear.” Read more from Marquette native and current Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Police Chief Paul Tomasi in this edition of Rural Voices.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day, a UP Trivia Question, UP Counties Among Top Vaccinated in State, New Health Care Developments, and This Month’s Lansing Legislation
Belated Happy Mother’s Day, a UP trivia question, UP counties among top vaccinated in state, new health care developments, and Lansing legislation you might have missed. Read the latest edition of Rural Whispers, Noise and Rumors by David Haynes.
Rural Voices: Jon G. LaSalle
“I was raised on our family’s homestead near Fayette Historic State Park on the Garden Peninsula. I attended school in a two-room schoolhouse in Fairbanks Township called “Mud Lake School” that had K-4 in one room and 5th-8th grades in the second room.” Read Jon G. LaSalle’s fascinating account of growing up in the Upper Peninsula in his Rural Voices piece.
Veteran Food Assistance, Health Care in the U.P., More on University Trustee Oversight, and a New Guest Podcast
Veteran food assistance, health care in the U.P., more on university trustee oversight, and a new guest podcast. Check out this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Eastern U.P. School District Maintains Educational Excellence Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Superintendent for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District Angie McArthur describes how her district–the largest geographic intermediate school district in the state–successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic using collaboration and technology, and what the continuing challenges and opportunities will be for students and educators moving forward.
University Student COVID Vaccine Requirements, Your Personal Philosophy, Rural Food Insecurity, a U.P. Hero, and University Trustee Oversight
Should Universities require students to have the COVID vaccine prior to the start of Fall classes? Also, we’d love to know your personal philosophy to post to our site. Read about this and also rural food insecurity, an Upper Peninsula hero, and public university trustee oversight in this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
New Research Paper on Upper Peninsula Hotel Taxes
Rural Insights student researcher Elan Barber has published a paper on the history, legislation, and structuring of hotel taxes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
UP as the 51st State, Update on Bay Mills Tribe, Interesting Historical Fact Impacting Elections, and Student Loan Forgiveness
The Upper Peninsula as the 51st state, update on Bay Mills Tribe, interesting historical fact impacting elections today, and national service for student loan forgiveness.
Paul Schloegel: What Being a Yooper Means to Me
“It’s more than trees and pasties. If I am staying true to my roots, it means we respect nature. We respect our neighbors as well as their opinions and we should be willing to do everything in our power to help others in need. I’m inspired by my community’s rich deep history, and driven to be a part of its future through many outlets. These are the qualities that have molded this Yooper into who I am today.”
